LOS ANGELES – Ahead of possible rain, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an Emergency Executive Order today to shore up burn areas and to mitigate the serious health and environmental impacts of fire-related hazardous pollutants on the stormwater system, beaches and ocean. The emergency executive order marshals City Public Works crews to clear and remove vegetation, shore up hillsides, reinforce roads and clear debris from neighborhoods and burn areas ahead of rainy weather that could arrive on Saturday.
“With rain in the forecast, it’s imperative we take aggressive action to prevent additional damage in burn areas and to protect our water and ocean from hazardous runoff,” said Mayor Bass. “I’m directing city crews to swiftly install reinforced concrete barriers, lay down sandbags and clear debris to shore up burn areas and stem the flow of toxins. These communities have already endured unimaginable loss – we are taking action against further harm.”
Mayor Bass’ order directs actions including:
Preparing for future wet weather by installing reinforced barriers
Removing fire debris with heavy duty equipment
Capturing stormwater and diverting it to the sewer system
The emergency executive order will be implemented in coordination with LA County and state departments. Later today, Mayor Bass will inspect progress made by city crews to install reinforcements and on other protective measures. Mayor Bass is leading a massive recovery and rebuilding effort that clears the way to rebuild homes, businesses and communities on an unprecedented scale.
EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 2
Watershed Protection
Issue Date: January 21, 2025
Subject: Expediting Measures to Protect Water, Beaches and Ocean From Hazardous Pollutants in the Coming Rainy Season
In accordance with my Emergency Executive Order No. 1 issued on January 13, 2025, the five Bureaus of the Board of Public Works established the Watershed Hazards Mitigation Task Force to evaluate and recommend emergency mitigation measures in anticipation of Los Angeles’ rainy season.
To protect infrastructure, properties, local waterways, beaches, coastal waters, and groundwater basins from mudflows, debris flows, and toxic runoff caused by the firestorm, pursuant to City Charter Section 231, subsection (i), and under the provisions of the Los Angeles Administrative Code Section 8.29 that authorize me to promulgate, issue and enforce emergency rules, regulations, orders, and directives, I hereby declare the following order to be necessary for the protection of life and property and I hereby order, effective immediately that the City take the following actions utilizing City staff or contracts:
A. Wet Weather Preparedness
Implement temporary erosion control and debris-flow mitigation measures within the streets and flood control infrastructure of burn areas to keep contaminated materials from entering the storm drain, in cooperation with California Office of Emergency Services, Los Angeles County and other government organizations. This will include sandbags, straw wattles, and other flow control and filtration measures, as needed.
Remove vegetation and sediment from debris basins in the Palisades area in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-13-25, issued on January 20, 2025.
Restore the use of Low Flow Diversion pump stations that capture stormwater and divert it to the sewer system during low flow conditions to prevent fire-contaminated stormwater from being directly discharged to the ocean. Actions required include acquiring and utilizing portable generators until utility power is restored, assessing the power and communications status, and completing any necessary repairs.
Identify opportunities for soil stabilization on private properties and notify homeowners of County, State and Federal guidance for flood, debris, and erosion control.
B. Burn Debris Control Measures
Install caps or plugs on the sewer house connections from damaged homes to keep contaminants and debris from entering the sewer system. This debris may collect in the City’s sewer system and cause sanitary sewer overflows that could enter nearby catch basins and discharge to the ocean
As allowable by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and in cooperation with State and Federal agencies, conduct street sweeping in the Palisades area to remove debris with potential contaminated materials from the public right-of-way before they enter into the City's storm drain systems.
Encourage residents not to wash cars and driveways such that the runoff leaves their property. For properties with no fire damage, residents are directed to follow Los Angeles County Public Health guidelines to properly collect and dispose of the ash.